FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the purpose of the Property Alert Service?
The Property Alert Service is a way for property owners or other interested parties to receive alert messages by email when a document that affects a specific property is recorded by the Clerk's Office in Osceola County, Florida. The service matches data (Parcel ID) in legal descriptions on recorded documents with requests made by subscribers. Additionally, a subscriber can register to receive alerts when documents are recorded with specific party names.
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Is there a fee for the Property Alert Service?
No. This is a free service provided by the Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller.
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Can more than one person register the same parcel ID or party name?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of subscribers for a particular parcel ID or party name. All subscribers receive a notification if a document is recorded.
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Why should I register for this service?
This service is voluntary for individuals who want to know if fraudulent activity has occurred under their name or on property located in Osceola County, Florida. In some cases, fraud on real property is not discovered for years; this service helps to notify property owners in a more timely fashion. You may also wish to register the name or property id for elderly loved ones to help protect them from scams.
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Does the property need to be occupied in order to receive an alert?
No. The property alert service is for any type of land owned in Osceola County, Florida, whether occupied or vacant.
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What recorded documents are included for the alert notification?
Any document with a parcel ID pertaining to real property is included. Also, an alert is sent for any party names that are registered regardless of document type.
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Can a timeshare be registered for the alert notification?
No. Timeshare ownerships are not issued a unique parcel ID number. You may, however, register your name.
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How long does it take to be notified through the alert service?
All recorded documents must go through a verification process before they are available to view through a public records search. This typically takes 5 to 7 business days. An alert is sent once the process is complete.
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What if the name or parcel ID is not listed on the fraudulent document?
Not all recordings require the inclusion of a parcel ID and/or party name. In these cases, the Property Alert Service does not register the information, and therefore an alert is not sent. An example of this type of recorded document would be a Satisfaction of Lien where only the recorded lien’s book and page number is referenced on the satisfaction.
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Why can’t you stop the fraudulent document from being recorded?
As long as a document meets statutory recording guidelines, Florida law requires the Clerk & Comptroller's Office to record the document. Recordings cannot be refused unless guidelines are not met. For a list of recording guidelines, please review chapters 28 and 695, Florida Statutes. Currently, a pilot program is being considered by the Florida Legislature in Lee County to require identification when recording a document affecting interest in or title to real property. The Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller is not yet eligible to participate in this pilot, but intends to do so when available.
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What do I do if the document recorded is fraudulent?
If you find a document recorded against your name or property is fraudulent, you may file a complaint with the Kissimmee Police Department, the St. Cloud Police Department, or the Osceola County Sheriff's Office depending on where your property is located. You may also wish to seek the advice of an attorney skilled in real property matters.